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The economics of religious belief

Article Abstract:

An economic theory of knowledge treats religious belief as merely another type of knowledge, which like other forms of knowledge depends on the costs of discovering the knowledge and the benefits of using it. An economic theory of knowledge must also consider how belief is created and maintained, for example knowledge acquired by authority. Attention must also be paid to incentives which ultimately lead individuals to believe something rather than merely feign a belief in order to benefit: this can be called adaptive knowledge revision.

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Toward an economic theory of 'fundamentalism'

Article Abstract:

Article seeks to develop an economic theory of 'fundamentalism' or sectarian religion, focusing on costs or an economic model of stigma and sacrifice. By concentrating on the degree to which a group restricts and so raises the cost of non-group activities, sect behaviour can be modelled. Although belonging to a sect makes great demands on members, such costly demands seem to boost the net benefits of membership and strengthen the sect, for example by making members more committed.

Economic aspects, Fundamentalism, Sects

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Religion, ethics, the economy and economics

Article Abstract:

Article sets out the concept of 'ethos' and its three subsystems 'economics', 'the economy' and 'religion'. Ethos is used to describe the system of interaction which includes all of a society's essential functions and is formed from within by beliefs about the constitution, origin and destiny of human life and reality. Ethics is therefore the theory of and methodical reflection upon any given ethos.

Ethics

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